ABOUT THIS ALBUM

Album Notes

March 3, 2008

To Whom it May Concern:

My name is James Burns.I am currently living in the Ft. Wayne Indiana area.I consider myself a smooth jazz guitarist but I have experiences in many other styles of guitar playing. Recently, DM Jones reviewed my 2nd CD Mystified for the “Whatz Up” magazine and quoted (Its a treat for the ears that goes down nice and easy.) WhatzUp Magazine.Both Everlasting and Mystified can be purchased
through my distributor CD Baby.com and digital release.I am currently working in my home studio on my third cd.For many years I played cover tunes in the Tidewater area of Virginia.During these times I was able to meet several accomplished artist that influenced my life.My plan is to continue writing and performing as a solo.In ending a quote from a booking agent (music never takes it always gives.)

From Virginia to Kentucky to the muddy banks of the Three Rivers, J.D. Burns has been showcasing his expressive yet laid-back brand of jazz-inflected, guitar-oriented music for awhile now. Last yearâ€™s Everlasting showed off his substantial instrumental skills, with a handful of numbers including vocals. On his latest, entitled Mystified, Burns devotes his energies exclusively to instrumental pursuits.

If your tastes run toward polished, well played tunes that retain a pop sensibility and a jazz touch, Mystified is your kind of disc. From the cool chords of the opener, â€œSilent Illusion,â€ to the country touches of â€œMississippi Skippinâ€™â€ and sprightly tempo and lively tones of â€œHomebound,â€ Burns showcases a knack for lyrical guitar leads and solid melody lines.

The stately yet funk-tinged â€œWings of Loveâ€ is a great example of Burnsâ€™ fretwork, as limber guitar lines snake through the arrangement. The effected guitar tone carries a hint of a steel-drum vibe, which imparts a slight island feel to the tune. Jazz fans will enjoy Burnsâ€™ touch throughout Mystified, especially the octave runs and memorable licks he applies to great effect on â€œChicago Sky.â€ Smoky tones and a walking bassline help keep the title track moving, all the while implying class and never showing off.Â

The whole album is clean and uncluttered, all the edges burnished for a bright, relaxing listening experience. â€œAcoustic Rapâ€ provides a beautifully understated bossa nova, while the arrangement and instrumentation on the recordâ€™s closer, â€œHigher Calling,â€ wouldnâ€™t sound out of place on a modern country-pop release. J.D. Burns flexes some serious musical muscle on Mystified, seemingly without ever breaking a bead of sweat. Itâ€™s a treat for the ears that goes down nice and easy. For more information, go to www.myspace.com/123jdburns. (D.M. Jones)